Message from Vinny T's Of Boston
Vinny T's of Boston celebrates great homemade Italian food with family and friends. But food is only part of the whole Vinny T's experience. Vinny T's of Boston is inspired by the neighborhood Italian restaurants found in Boston's North End, Manhattan's Little Italy and South Philly circa 1945. From the music to the black and white checkered tablecloths, guests cannot help but appreciate the restaurant's old-style ambience. Welcoming guests with open arms and attentive service, Vinny T's serves the comforting Italian specialties and favorites many have come to love. Enjoy robust food, including traditional items like homemade lasagna, veal marsala, and mussels fra diavolo, as well as signature items such as chicken carciofi, linguini frutti di mare, and penne alla vodka. Antipasti possibilities include golden fried calamari, homemade baked clams oreganata and bruschetta caprese.
Editorial by Citysearch
The SceneSo long as there are families in search of kid-approved Italian fare served family-style, Vinny T's will remain profitable. Few patrons look up from their troughs of pasta to notice the faux-Italian decor (checkered tablecloths, pictures of Italian-Americans icons like Frank Sinatra). Solo diners, a rare sight because of the portion sizes, flock to the hospitable bar area where there's always a game on the TV. Pleasant servers try to maintain straight faces when delivering laughably large pasta platters.
The Food
As one might expect, the restaurant sacrifices quality in favor of quantity--expect too much pasta, not enough meat. Most items are available in two misleadingly titled sizes: "per uno" (enough for two people) and "per due" (enough for four). While decent steaks and chops are offered, most everyone wisely sticks with pasta dishes like lemony chicken piccata and rich lasagna. Desserts (try the creamy, reasonably authentic spumoni) are equally humongous.
Key Points
- Outdoor Patio Dining
- Takeout and Catering
- Free Valet Parking
Insider Pages Reviews for Vinny T's Of Boston
I recently went to the one in Dedham and immediately noticed right away the changes in the menus. I am normally open to change in restaurants but i found myself reading and reading the menu and not knowing what to get...normally this is a good thing b/c there are too many things i like but it was the complete opposite! the food looked boring and there was barely any meat or protein in any of the dishes!
My boyfriend and I always have the best experience at Vinny T's and were excited that we thought of going last night since we hadn't in a long time. Service was awful for more than a few reasons...bread was HARD AS A ROCK, server did not pour our first glass of sangria as we always get the pitcher (which has been jacked up $5 might i add), and we also sat with empty glasses and a pitcher for our entire meal while she walked by our table about 15 times without even making eye contact. she also did not tell us the specials which she told our table next to us. although the "special" was chicken and broccoli alfredo which doesn't seem so "special" to me.
Is this place going out of business? my boyfriend is in the restaurant industry and he said that some main signs of that is jacking up prices and taking away value. they sure did that! prices were still okay, but i definitely wasn't getting what i used to get there in terms of value and portion.
also what happened to the famiglia platters they offer with almost every entree? I noticed the separate famiglia menu which has less options, higher price, and something about only being able to use it if u have a party of 10? wow
My boyfriend got the chicken which he said wasn't bad except for the fact that it was cold. The potatoes and veggies that came with it for completely bland with not even salt and pepper on them.
awful awful experience which saddened me more than angered me since we normally LOVE this restaurant and it became a tradition of ours. i am not a complainer and it is VERY hard to get me this fired up at a restaurant. normally vinny t's is great from top to bottom...usually we love the service, food, atmosphere, etc...it was NOT the case this time!!
Posted 09/27/09 | Report Abuse
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Extremely disappointed. Wanted gift card. Site did not work (though management in Boston said it did!). Gave credit card to have them mail; never done despite my repeated requests -- said lost my information. Refuse to visit ever again.
Posted 09/24/09 | Report Abuse
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this place is under new management - gone is the great garlic taste and large portions. in its place is a new menu with bland food and not much to bring home
Posted 08/01/09 | Report Abuse
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Grilled Calamari is the best, not on the menu but they are happy to prepare for you if you just ask. Great spot to sit at the bar, hang out and eat/drink. Staff all very accomodating as well.
Posted 08/25/08 | Report Abuse
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I love this place, the quality is wonderful and the atmosphere is top notch. It is a great place to sit down for a long meal and enjoy the atmosphere. The menu offers many choices.
Posted 03/21/08 | Report Abuse
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I attended a corporate event at this restaurant recently. Normally very good food and service. I was left a bit disappointed with both the food and service. Since it was my only bad experience with a Vinny Ts, I would still rate them very good. If you are travelling to the Boston area, it is worth a stop.
Posted 12/16/07 | Report Abuse
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Latest reviews from Citysearch.
Just the Name makes me drool
by member2
From the real garlic to spread on the fresh bead to the tiramisu for desert this place is top notch. The decor is beautiful, the staff is really nice and the food will have you running back for more.
Pros: The best food
Cons: is there any?
Posted 06/19/09
I love Vinny T's
by t68louise
My friend and i visited dedham, MA and ate at Vinny T's on elm st....it was beautiful, the food was great, and the employees are so sweet..Love you Janice! Really made me feel home there...definately will be back again! Thanks so much
Pros: Great Employees
Posted 03/31/09
we go here all the time...
by imgettingmarried
My fiance and I can't get enough of this place!! We're here atleast 4 times a month. love love love their food
Posted 12/17/08
Great food, Awesome service
by aaront31
I went to Dedham for business and had never been to the area. One of my co-workers recommended this restaurant and I'm really glad I found out about it.
The food was very good, nice and fresh and a great value! However, the wait staff is hwat really set this apart. I was seated promptly and by a great friendly hostess. The waitress was absolutley wonderful, VERY friendly and helpful. All and all a great dining experience!
Pros: Great Food, Great Service, Good Value
Cons: Parking is a bit tight when busy
Posted 09/16/06
can't go wrong at Vinny's
by goodfoodguy
Most regulars who go to Vinny's probably eat there because it is easy Italian close to home. I have enjoyed everything that I have tried on the menu right down to the dessert. The wine list is also good. Overall I would recommend Vinny T's. It isn't the best Italian restaurant, but you should enjoy it.
Posted 04/07/05
Waitstaff
by jenniferhersey
I have eaten at Vinny's quite a few times and every time. I have been there I walked away feeling like I had a new friend. The waitstaff there goes above and beyond to be helpful and they are rather friendly. The staff and the food is what makes Vinny's a great place to go for dinner. They were also very nice to my children which is a big bonus for me, I find someplaces are rather short with kid's but not here.
Pros: short wait time, Friendly staff, great prices
Posted 06/14/04
This place keeps getting better!
by klapine
If you haven't been to Vinny T's of Boston, formerly known as Vinny Testa's, then you're in for a pleasant surprize. Not only have they changed the name, but the food quality, presentation, ingredients, and overall cravability has improved dramatically. Not to mention the service and the overall welcoming, friendliness of everyone you encounter. Before posting one more word about Vinny T's - You should really give them another try. It's not the old Vinny Testa's you remember!
Enjoy! This is one great Neighborhood Italian Restaurant!
Pros: great Italian, friendly service, welcoming atmosphere
Posted 06/29/03
Little Italy in Dedham
by bobokeefe
Finally someone did it right. After years of lousy Itailan type chain restaurants we get what we have been waiting for. Great service, great food (and the portions!!) and the deserts. All that and a chance to eat for free. They play a little game when your done to see if you get a free meal.
Posted 10/17/02